Copenhagen-based Sparrow Quantum, a supplier of photonic quantum chips, has raised €21.5M in a Series A funding round.
The investment was led by PensionDanmark, with participation from EIFO, Novo Holdings, 2xN, LIFTT, and the European Innovation Council.
Peter Stensgaard Mørch, CEO of PensionDanmark, says, “Quantum technology can open an entirely new world of solutions to complex problems, and the Danish research environment, from which Sparrow Quantum emerges, has the potential to position Denmark as an international frontrunner in the field.”
“Therefore, we see a clear potential for the investment to yield an attractive return on our members’ pension savings while also benefiting the national economy and Danish industry. That is why it is an obvious investment for PensionDanmark.”
Before the Series A round, Sparrow Quantum secured €4.1M in seed investment in 2023.
Peder Lundquist, CEO of EIFO, adds, “Sparrow Quantum is a great example of how the Danish quantum community, with the foundation laid by the Niels Bohr Institute, possesses incredible expertise. It is through Professor Peter Lodahl’s many years of research at the Institute that the building blocks for Sparrow Quantum’s groundbreaking and now internationally sought-after quantum chip have been established.”
“With this investment, the development team is strengthened, enabling the company to expand its position as the leading chip supplier for future quantum computers. At the same time, we further enhance Danish and European quantum expertise.”
Scaling photonic quantum chip technologies
Quantum physics has led to the creation of new types of computers, called quantum computers, and secure communication systems. Unlike regular computers that use bits, which are either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits. A qubit can be in both states at once until it is measured, which allows these systems to solve certain problems faster than traditional computers.
One approach to building quantum computers uses light particles, or photons, instead of electrons or atoms. This method, known as photonic quantum technology, allows the systems to run at standard temperatures, resist interference, and be built using chip-based processes already common in electronics.
A central part of this system is a device that produces one photon at a time with control and accuracy. These photons are directed through photonic chips, where they are used for computing or secure messaging that cannot be intercepted.
Sparrow Quantum is advancing photonic quantum chip technologies by building on research done at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen.
The company’s founder, Professor Peter Lodahl, developed the foundation for its main product, Sparrow Core—a chip that produces single photons on demand. This ability is important for building scalable quantum computers that use light instead of electricity or atoms to process information.
The company has worked with system developers and quantum hardware partners in Europe to prepare its technology for broader use.
The Sparrow Core chip allows quantum computers to process data more quickly than earlier models and supports progress in areas like AI and machine learning. The technology uses photons—particles of light—which helps these systems run at room temperature, resist external noise, and fit into standard electronic chips.
Capital utilisation
Sparrow Quantum plans to use its new funding to support growth in several key areas. The company aims to increase production capacity to meet rising demand for photonic quantum chips.
It will also advance research and development efforts, focusing on entangled photon sources, which are important for the progress of quantum technologies.
In addition, Sparrow Quantum intends to expand its technical capabilities by strengthening its team, allowing it to develop and bring new quantum products to market.
Professor Peter Lodahl, Founder and Chief Quantum Officer of Sparrow Quantum, says, “With this investment, we can truly intensify our efforts to bring quantum technology from the lab to the market. It enables us to scale up in three critical areas which are essential for industrialising our photonic quantum chips and ensuring we can deliver stable, advanced solutions to the market.”
“It is an honour to build up a truly world-class team of quantum photonics experts with unique know-how on quantum photonic chip technology.”
In addition to commercial expansion, the funding will help strengthen Europe’s quantum supply chain by keeping manufacturing, quality control, and research within the region.
This effort aligns with EU initiatives such as the Chips Act, aimed at maintaining technological independence and global presence in quantum development.
Kurt Stokbro, CEO of Sparrow Quantum, says, “This investment is a testament to Denmark and Europe’s ability to lead in quantum technology. With strong backing from visionary Danish investors, we are ready to unlock quantum breakthroughs that benefit society and the global economy.”
01
Upstream Festival is back for its sixth edition! 4 solid reasons to mark your calendar